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Same Old Sermon

The story has been told of a Baptist church looking for a pastor. After a few candidates had been vetted and interviewed, a candidate preached and wowed the church. It was proclaimed, “That is our pastor.” Everyone was in agreement. The search committee joyfully met with the potential pastor and said, “We are in agreement that you are the man God has called to pastor our church.”

On the very first Sunday of this pastor’s ministry, he walked to the pulpit, opened up his Bible, and preached a powerful sermon that was Biblically sound, theologically accurate, and was applicable to the congregation’s every day life. People in the pew nudged each other and said, “This is just who we needed.”

On the second Sunday, he walked to the pulpit, opened up his Bible and preached a powerful sermon that was Biblically sound, theologically accurate, and was applicable to the congregations every day life. Yet, it was the same sermon from the week before. Though a little strange the congregation did not mind much. Each person remarked about the depth of Scripture and how they learned something new in the second hearing of the same sermon.

On the third Sunday, the pastor walked to the pulpit, read the same passage and preached the same sermon. While the congregation was confident that this man was the preacher God had called to their church … they grew a little concerned. A few church members approached a group of deacons, “If he has the audacity to preach that sermon one more time – you’ll need to have a talk with him!”

On the fourth Sunday, the pastor walked to the pulpit, read the same passage and preached the same sermon. After the service the deacons requested a few moments of the pastor’s time. He invited them into his office and asked, “What can I do for you brothers?” They answered, “We are a bit concerned that you keep preaching the same sermon every Sunday. Our question is: Do you have another sermon?” The preacher took off his glasses, folded his arms and responded, “I do have another sermon. But this church hasn’t obeyed the first one yet.”

I’m in the middle of a sermon series titled Dirty Feet: Putting Feet to Faith in the Home, Community, and Workplace. Disciples are called to obey and the home, community, and workplace provides a good framework to discuss practical Christian living.

Home: Are you obeying God through …

Your marriage?

Your parenting?

Your finances?

Your entertainment?

Your family values?

Community: Are you obeying God through …

Your involvement?

Your behavior?

Your relationships?

Your words?

Workplace: Are you obeying God through …

Your goals?

Your decision making?

Your ethics?

Your relationships?

Your time?

There comes a time to roll up your sleeves, put on a pair of boots, and go to work. The time is NOW. We are instructed to be doers of the word. That is James 1:22 if you’re interested. Delayed obedience is not obedience. Get after it.